Whoopi Goldberg: We must show “reverence” for women who’ve aborted their babies

Another day, another example of rampant idiocy on the set of ABC’s The View.

Just one day after View co-host Whoopi Goldberg declared to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that she’d enjoy a threesome with her and Pelosi’s husband Paul, who was sitting in the audience, Goldberg saw fit to chide conservative co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck over her anti-abortion views. Justin McCarthy writes:

Is Whoopi Goldberg becoming the Rosie O’Donnell type bully? It appeared that way on the October 3 edition of “The View.” A discussion about Hillary Clinton’s $5,000 a baby entitlement plan quickly descended into a heated exchange between Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Whoopi Goldberg about abortion.

When Hasselbeck noted that $5,000 a baby could lead to fewer abortions in the world, Whoopi told Hasselbeck to “back off” because Hasselbeck has never “been in a position” where she “had to make that decision.”

The transcript:

HASSELBECK: I was very- at heart, I’m very against this policy because I believe it’s more of a gift.

BEHAR: Are you against Social Security, too?

HASSELBECK: No. Against this policy, but then I realized that there is a benefit because I feel like this could maybe cause less abortions in the world. You know, people would keep having kids instead.

GOLDBERG: Elisabeth, Elisabeth, can I ask you one questionâ€“can I ask you a question? I just have to ask you this question since you opened this door.

HASSELBECK: Sure

GOLDBERG: Have you ever been in a position to have to make that decision?

HASSELBECK: Never, never.

GOLDBERG: Okay, then back off a little bit. Back off a little bit. Very few people want to have abortions.

HASSELBECK: I’m sure they don’t.

GOLDBERG: See, I was listening.

HASSELBECK: I was just affirming what you said.

GOLDBERG: Most people do not want to have abortions. Most women do not have them with some sort of party going on. It is the hardest decision that a woman ever- wait- ever has to make. So, when you talk about it, a little bit of reverence to the women out there who have had to make this horrible decision. And one of the reasons that, that we have had to make this decision is because so many women were found bleeding, dead, with hangers in their bodies because they were doing it themselves. The idea of this was to make it safe and clean. That was the reason the law came into effect. That was why it was done.

You can watch the video here, if you have the stomach for it (you can also read co-hosts Barbara Walters’ and Joy Behar’s “views” on abortion expressed on yesterday’s show, which fall closely in line with Goldberg’s).

There’s so much wrong with what Goldberg said that it’s hard to know where to start. First, note how she pulls the Absolute Moral Authority Card out when she tells Hasselbeck to “back off” her comments about abortions since she’s never had one. Oddly enough, the fact that Goldberg isn’t a man hasn’t stopped her from complaining about and judging men. Hey Whoopi: Have you ever been a man? If not, then you should “back off a bit” from your comments about them, because you’ve never walked in their shoes, and don’t know what it’s like to be one.

See? Two can play at this silly little game.

Secondly, where are the stats to back up her claim that most women who have abortions don’t want to have them? Answer? She doesn’t have them, because they don’t exist. I have read this claim on the pages of the New York Times, and feminist publications, but never once have I seen any evidence provided via studies or surveys that the women who have abortions “don’t want to have them.” It’s almost like it’s one of those Accepted Truths no one is supposed to question, one that is thrown out there so often that it just becomes accepted as fact in spite of the fact that it is an unsubstantiated claim. But stats do exist that suggest abortion is big business these days.

The next thing I wonder about is her comment that “it is the hardest decision that a woman ever has to make” – is it really, Whoopi? Has she, and other radical feminist proponents of abortion, ever stopped to consider why the decison to have an abortion is the “horrible decision” to have to make? Probably not, because if they ever once stopped to actually examine in depth the questionable statements that they make about women who have abortions, maybe they’d actually realize that the reason this is the “hardest decision a woman has to make” is perhaps because subconsciously the woman knows it is morally wrong to abort the child, that the woman, deep down, is aware that it’s really not just a “blob of tissue” but a human life in the early stages of development, a life she is choosing to terminate?

Also, Goldberg’s claim that Roe v. Wade was put on the books in order to “protect a woman’s health” ignores the full picture of the sentiment on abortion at the time Roe v. Wade was decided (1973). At that time (and even still today) emboldended radical feminist proponents of abortion pushed for the “right” to have an abortion, in part, because they wanted it to be more convienient for women to terminate their little “parasite” in order for them to live a responsiblity-free live of self-indulgence without having to deal with the consequences of their irresponsible behavior. So Whoopi engaged in a lie by omission by failing to include this information in her sweeping, generalized lecture to Hasselbeck on abortion.

Lastly, Goldberg’s request for Hasselbeck (and, via extention, others who don’t support abortion) to have a “bit of reverence” for those who have had abortions is both offensive and repulsive. I almost wonder if Goldberg even knows what the word “reverence” means:

1. a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.
2. the outward manifestation of this feeling: to pay reverence.
3. a gesture indicative of deep respect; an obeisance, bow, or curtsy.
4. the state of being revered.

So to abortion proponents like Goldberg, we should “deeply respect” a woman who has had an abortion? I show reverence to my family, to elders, to our military, and to others who deserve my deep respect and admiration for who they are, and their accomplishments. But at the same time I’m supposed to show “deep respect” for a woman’s decision to terminate the life of her unborn child? I don’t think so. I respect the decisons of women who decide to keep their babies, in spite of the enormous pressure put on them by radical feminist groups like NOW to terminate it for the sake of convenience. I do not and will not respect a woman’s decision to succumb to the temptation to take the easy way out by terminating her pregnancy.

You know what? I’m in mourning right now. In mourning of the death of reasoned, logical, factual discourse in feminist circles on a whole host of issues, but especially the issue of abortion. I hate like hell the idea that feminists like Whoopi Goldberg are looked upon by the general public as speaking for all women, when nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is, there are many, many women out there in this country who feel the same way I do about abortion but who don’t often get the chance on shows like The View to express clearly their opinions on the issue because of poorly informed feministas like Whoopi Goldberg who throw out the Absolute Moral Authority Card in an attempt to shame the opposition into not speaking, while trying to lecture those opposed to abortion by using information that is misleading and inaccurate at best, and a lie at worst.

Yeah, I know The View is one of those shows you don’t expect to see much of in the way of engaging, thought-provoking, deep conversations, but all the same the hosts on The View make it a point daily to bring up liberal talking points about whatever political issue is hot in the news, and their statements filter into the viewing audience and from that permeate into our culture, which aids in eroding the willingness and desire to research in order to form an informed opinion on any given issue. It’s so much easier for a susceptible and complacent public to just latch onto popular myths and believe them without question, than to actually take the steps necessary to get educated about important issues. This complacency also makes it easier for liberals like Whoopi Goldberg to spread misleading, and in many cases false information on any given subject, because they believe most of their viewers/readers will accept it at face value without question. I can say this with a significant degree of certainty, because not only do I know women who are like this, but also because I used to be one of those women.

Can’t stand Whoopi, agree with all of ST’s comments, but I have to acknowledge that Whoopi does score a few points bringing to light that the reason to make them legal is to avoid back alley abortions.

I’m not a strong advocate on either side of this, but am definitely opposed to mid term, late term and partial birth abortions, and would like to see calm responses to Whoopi’s argument in my first paragraph.

Please don’t direct your hostilities at me, I’m not trying to take anything away from ST’s post, just trying to see if Whoopi’s back alley abortion argument holds up.

I don’t want to get into an argument about the morality of abortion, because I know that neither of us will budge.

But I will say, that I think it’s unfair to characterize Goldberg as having said something beyond the pale. Abortion isn’t an easy decision and whether you like it or not, there are occasions when it is necessary, and instead of demonizing women who make that choice, it’s in the best interest of our society to offer our support.

Goldberg deson’t have the ability to realize it, but she is closer to the pro-life position than she realizes. If a unborn has value, then why kill him?

Actually, she’s not. It’s not that it’s a hard decision to kill an unborn child she’s on about, it’s about granting victimhood to the woman who had an abortion. It’s all about victimhood to the liberal mind these days. Pity the poor woman, not the unborn child. She had an abortion, so now she’s a victim deserving of pity and “the ultimate moral authority card.”

I am very disappointed. I had hoped that you were the type of woman who would see both sides of a situation.

You cannot understand how deep the sorrow a woman feels after she’s had an abortion. This is not a careless and cold decision. It is a not to be forgotten option that a woman choses. Do you understand? It is an option – available to women and only to women because we are the people of this world who bring forth new life on the planet. If a woman choses to have an abortion she should be allowed the grace and respect for her choice, not a violation of her privacy with your condemnation.

Your blog – you equate it to a baby and how well you take care of it – *COUGH – COUGH* – you are truly sad in life if this is how you view a child.

I had hoped that you were the type of woman who would see both sides of a situation.

So in other words, Cindy, since she doesn’t agree with you she is “truly sad in life”? I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion about this topic. Just because she doesn’t share the same opinion as you is no reason to be upset. Many of us on this site do not agree when it comes to some things, that’s just the way life is.

If you are going to limit yourself to people who only think the same way you do then I feel you are truly sad.

DO YOU ALL WANT TO LOSE THIS RIGHT? ARE YOU REALLY WILLING TO TAKE A STEP BACKWARDS? CLOSER TO THE TIME WHEN WE DIDN’T HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE…TO OWN PROPERTY!

DO YOU WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WITH YOUR BODY? WHY WOULD YOU ALLOW YOUR RIGHT TO BE PUT INTO JEOPARDY?

OBVIOUSLY, YOU NEED TO OPEN YOUR HEARTS AND FEEL COMPASSION TOWARDS OTHER WOMEN…WOMEN WHO HAVE MADE THAT DECISION…AND UNDERSTAND THE DAY AFTER IS NOT A GOOD DAY NOR IS THE DAY AFTER THAT OR THE DAY AFTER THAT.

AND I’LL SAY THIS AGAIN – IT IS TRULY SAD TO EQUATE A WEBSITE WITH A CHILD! THERE WAS NO ATTACK IN THAT REMARK…IT WAS SAID WITH CONCERN AND COMPASSION.

ATTACK ME IF YOU WILL, BUT YOU MISSED THE FINAL POINT – I EXERCISED MY RIGHT – MY CHOICE – MY VOICE – MY OPINION TO DELETE A SITE THAT DOESN’T SUPPORT WOMEN!

STAND UP AND SAY “HELL YEAH” BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY WHAT WE FEEL!

Uh, Cindy, if you supposedly deleted me out of your “favorites” (and I strongly doubt I was ever in your “favorites” because my opinion on abortion is not exactly a secret) then why are you back?

Do you know how unhinged you look typing in all caps? You do know that typing in all caps is considered yelling, right?

As I expected, the point I made about how Whoopi’s assertion (and that of other feminists) that having an abortion is a “horrible decision to make” is at odds with the other feminist assertion that the baby is just a “blob of tissue” went right over the heads of both you and Jamelle. If it’s considered just a “blob of tissue,” then aborting it shouldn’t be a “horrible decision to make,” should it?

When you’re ready to actually think about your position, rather than spout of NOW talking points, let me know.

As for the assertion about me “not being able to see both sides of the issue” – well, that clearly proves that you’re lying when you say that I was in your “favorites” because I’ve written at this blog before (and regular readers know this) that I used to be on the other side of the aisle on this issue, but I woke up and had a change of heart. I know all the typical feminist arguments made in favor of abortion because *I* used to make them.

As you seem to have missed everyone else’s point, but no big surprise there. I have just as much right to feel compassion toward unborn babies who are killed as you do toward their mothers. Nobody said the mother’s were bad people, it’s just that some of us choose to associate with the innocent child rather than the mother.

STAND UP AND SAY “HELL YEAH” BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY WHAT WE FEEL!

Indeed you do, just as much right as we do to express ourselves. Cindy, you seem to be exhibiting the classic signs of liberalism. You scream about your right to say whatever you want, and then degrade those that do the same, just because they don’t agree with you.

As S.T. said, if she was truly on your favorites list you would have known this as her opinion on the subject is no secret.

Finally, may I say, there are just as many decaf brand on the markets that are just as tasty as the real thing.

10,14, Cindy, I really think you aren’t honest with us. If you are at all talking about life and rights, why doesn’t your baby have any rights? Are you that unfeeling, callous, if not fascist in that denial?

The sacrament of Liberalism and Feminism is abortion. We who oppose abortion are in opposition to these two religions.

If it’s considered just a “blob of tissue” then aborting it shouldn’t be a “horrible decision to make” should it?

Exactly. Cindy, the only way you could be taken seriously is if you also feel that cutting out a cancer or a hemmorhoid is a tough, emotionally draining decision.

If you do, then I think we’re on firm ground in questioning your mental stability. So I’m assuming you do not.

But if you do not, think about why that is. The answer’s unavoidable: somewhere deep down inside, your conscience is telling you that this is a human life you are terminating, and your sense of what’s right and what’s wrong refuses to sit down and shut up. Even if you use all caps telling it to.

So this isn’t about a woman’s “rights”. Not unless you honestly believe snuffing out another human life is somehow an inalienable “right”. And we’ve already seen where such lack of compassion and respect for life leads us. Once you accept that life is as disposable as a used Kleenex, it’s a small matter to move to partial birth abortion. Or to killing fully delivered babies with birth defects. Or to advocating euthanizing people as they get older if they become a burden. It’s the same mindset. This doesn’t appear to be about “rights” for you, it’s about convenience.

I cannot look at mine and think that we would ever consider aborting the children my wife and I have together. I cannot. It is the strongest emotion that floods me with grief to think how easiy people make it to snuff out the life of a baby….and not because of a mother life is in jeopardy.

I really wish i could win the lottery, because i would adopt as many as I could and provide as best as I could for them.

The sad thing is, the US has more ‘mass graves’ of babies killed in the legal, but immoral abortion than Saddam had of the mass graves in Iraq.

I hesitated in repsonding to this, I am just a simple man, and I have not had to go through an abortion or live with what happens afterwards. But I have weeped with my wife, and just thinking of this makes me type through tears that roll down my face….when my wife lost one of our children she was pregnant with to a miscarriage. No, the pregnancy was not far along, but the baby was there, we knew it, and already explored names….

Lump of tissue my ass.
Those that believe such nonsense should have thier heads examined for brain damage or excessive stupidity.

This is a very strong and emotional topic for me, my kids are my life, and to think someone would want to snuff out that life, it physically makes me sick.

It sickens me further knowing people can see arms and legs, see movement in the womb, see kicking in the womb, ect and still want to kill thier baby.

It makes no sense to me, and personally, if I would have to choose between my life or that of my baby, I would choose my baby to live – there would be no hesitation in my decision. None at all.

Suffer not the children for they are life and they are the innocent.

Now you will have to excuse me, my two bundles of non-aborted joy are playing with stamper and stamp pad…..and covered in stamps.

Cindy, you have no moral authority here. Go get yourself aborted and then get back to us.

I actually was once told by a woman that I, being a man, had no business even having an opinion on abortion. Odd, I would have though that having once been a fetus I could bring something to the table but apparently not. Somewhere along the line I missed the part about how I must allow others to determine what I am entitled to believe. So help me out here, please post a list of every opinion you require me to have. Maybe I’ll run out of toilet paper.